I'm about to change the red ramp front sight to install a patridge sight. I was told by someone he thought the roll pin was made to go in and out only on one side. Is this true?

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Where we go one, we go all

Standard practice is pins enter and are removed to/from the right. In actuality it makes no difference as S&W pins are straight, no taper.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

What diameter punch and bit should this take?

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Where we go one, we go all

The pins and hole are .055. A .05 punch works well. I use a 1/16 (.062) punch that I put in a cordless drill and ground it down to .05.

In fractions, what is a .055? So I can ask for one at the hardware store for a drill bit to drill the hole in the sight blade.

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Where we go one, we go all

Nothing in fractions, it is a #54 AWG bit you need. A hardware store is not likely to have wire gauge drill bits.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

The closest fraction w/o being too big is 3/64, which is almost .047 of an inch. Don't try to use anything soft, like wire as it will just bend.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Thanks guys for the info!

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Where we go one, we go all

Fellas, would this be the same for my late 90's 640-1? I have tried everything I know but the pin won't budge either way.

Thank you, Dave

All the sight pins that I've ever seen are the same size. If you have a 1/16 punch, nothing will move because the punch won't fit in the hole.

Thank you. One side is sticking out just a tad, but the pin won't even budge to get it flush! I've never had one frozen like this. Soaked it for a couple days too, no go. Would heating it with a hair dryer help? Or is just the exact punch the only answer?

I seriously doubt a hair drier would be of any benefit. The proper size and type of punch, along with a proper surface for the revolver is the key. The reason the pin may be protruding from one side may be because the hole is a bit under size and that's as far as the factory could get it in. I'd try removing it from the other side and test the hole size with the proper size drill.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Thank you!

The 629-6 N frame revolvers use the same size roll pin too. I bought a package of 6 #54 bits ( from Amazon) and used one to push out the roll pin. Then another #54 bit to drill the hole in a replacement fiber optic sight.

What type of bits are they? None broke while hammering? Got to get me a few of those please!!!

Is this the bit? WESTWARD 2UFN9 Jobber Drill Bit, HSS, Black Oxide, #54 | eBay

Dave

Yes. Get 3 or 4, not just 1.

Will do! Thank you.